Filing device



May 3, 1927,. 1,626,883

R. M. sMlTH FILING DEVICE original Filed Maron 27. 1920 Patente-cl May 3, 1927.

y UNITED STATE-s 4Iuna'nrrrrousn M. SMITH, or Eivronrrfn, MannaLA.`

'FILING DEV ICE.

Application lled March 27, 1920, SeriellNofSBZ. Renewed July 20, 1926.

. rlhis application, which in partis a continuation of my application `Serial No 366,- 083, `filed March 157 .1920, relates to a case or container particularly designed for use in connection with the cards of an index system, one vof vthe objects beingto provide a novely arrangement of pigeon holes or `receptacles in connection with suitableA desig- `hating datawhereby a card can be indexed bothchronologically' yand alphabetically or chronologically and by numbers, or alphabetically and by subject or geographical location, it being possible with this arrangement to locate a card either by the date on which the matter is to come up or by the name appearingon the card, or by the 4lille number, or bythe subject, or by geograplr ical location, thus `doing awaywith the two sets of cards :such as have `heretofore been used to enable the location of a card by means of either of the data above men tioned.

A 4further object is to provide the case with adjustable designating tabs by means of which one seriesv Inumeralsdesignating .the days of the month canbe vutilized -to indicate. a period of one month beginning on any day of the month. y p

Vith the foregoing and `other objects Lin view, which will` appear kas the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in` the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it, being understood that, within the scope of what is claimed, changes in the precise embodiment of the invention shown can be .made Without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings `the ,preferre-d form of the invention has been shown. l y

In said drawingsi y Figure 1 is` a front elevation of Aa .portion of Athe case, part-s being broken away.

Figure 2 is a vertical section through case, p y

Figure 3 is a sectionthrough a portion of `the case on line 3.-3, Figure l.

Figure 4 is an enlarged `vertical*section through `the top strip ,of `the 'case and showing one of the tabs in positionthereon.

Referring to the figur-ies by charactersof the reference,y 1 .designates a v,case or hou/Sing which can be placed V{pi-at on @a table or jon a support -or which, if ,-preferred, can `be -placed in yan upright `position as shown in Figure `2. This case has one face open, this face being arranged uppermostv ifl the device is resting flat on a vsupport `and being in front ify the case is npstanding. lThe linterior Vof the case is divided into parallel columns by means kof partitions 2 and each of these columns is, in turn, subdivided into separate pockets or pigeon `holes b y means of division strips 3 which are preferably inclined downwardly and rearwardly when the case is used while yin, 'an upstanding position.

lt `is preferred to have at least thirtyone columns and each of these thirty-one columns is preferably designated by a number, 4the numbers ranging from one to` thirf A.ty-one in proper succession. These numbers maybe suitably displayed on astrip 4 which thereof and there being retainingV cleats 5 `along the upper `and lower edge portions of the strip for holding a transparent strip 6 of glass or rthe like so that the numbers will thus be protected.

the additional columns 14 and l5 and such othersuch columns as are had parallel to 14 and 15 except the outer `column 17 may be preferably designated .by vnames of `months. `For instance, atll would be the name ofthemonth following the month designated bythe tab Feb shown in the drawing and at 15 would be the name of the Anext succeeding month, the object being that in the pigeon holes in columns14 and 15 would be placed cards/alphabetically arranged, thus allowingan alphabetical ar-l -rangement of cards ,for als lmany months ,i as lmay be desired at any one time. The

`cards arranged inthe columns and included within the dates 11 to 31, both inclusive, Vvlvovuld be ifor instance always arranged both alphabetically and chronologically, `while and thus .cards ycould be alphabetically carfied for the Aentire year. Another strip 7 is arranged along fone side `of `the @ascend is als@ preferably provided If more lthan thirty-one columns are had,

v those in columns 14 and lavould be ar- 1 ranged only by the imonth and alphabetical with cleats 8 for holding a transparent strip 9, this strip extending over and protecting a series of letters arranged to constitute an index, the letter or letters opposite each transverse row of pigeon holes or receptacles indicating what cards of the system should be placed in the row if properly positioned alphabetically.

Another strip 16 is arranged along the center of the case from the top to the bottom of the case and is also preferably provided with cleats 19 for holding a transparent strip 12, this strip extending over and protecting a series of letters arranged to constitute and index, the letter or letters opposite each transverse row of pigeon holes or receptacles indicating what cards of the system should be placed in the row if properly positioned alphabetically.

Another strip 17 is arranged along still another side of the case parallel to strip 16 and is also preferably provided with cleats 18 for holding a transparent strip 13, this strip extending over and protecting another series of letters arranged to constitute an index, the letter or letters opposite each transverse row of pigeon holes or receptacles indicating what cards of the system should be placed in the row if properly positioned alphabetically.

Across the center of the case and running at right angles to the strips containing the letters is arranged another strip provided preferably with cleats and a transparent strip such as are provided at the top of the case.

The object of having more than one column containing letters and more than one column containing numbers is to place the letters and numbers in close proximity to the pigeon holes throughout the case, thus enabling the eye to more readily locate a desired card or pigeon hole than would be accomplished were there only one column of letters and only one column of figures, and those placed only on the outer edges of the case.

Along the bottom of the case is arranged an extra row of receptacles or pigeon holes 10 and under some of these are printed or otherwise displayed data indicating the months of the year. The remaining compartments or pigeon holes 10 are Without any designating data and can be used for any purpose desired in which event the necessary designating data can be displayed adjacent thereto. For example, these extra compartments or pigeon holes could be employed by the user for the days Work, the same being divided into dilt'erent hours of the day, or they can be used for different subjects, for different employees, etc.

Adjustably mounted on the top` strip 4 are one or more tabs 11 on which are designated certain months et the year, These Lacasse tabs can be adjusted so that they will be positioned above any selected number on the strip 4l.

In using the case it is intended to place a card of a certain name in the pigeon hole or compartment corresponding with a prede termined date. F or example if a card in the naine oi Albert has reference to a matter which is to be called up on the fifth ot J anuary, said card is placed in the vertical column designated by the number 5 and in the transverse row opposite the index group in which the name Albert belongs, this, in the present instance, being the top transverse row. Each day the January tab is moved forward to the number corresponding with the date and when this tab is brought. to position above the numeral 5 on the fifth oi January all the cards in the column 5 will be taken out and the various matters thereon attended to. As soon as the January tab has been moved away from the number 1 the February tab can be placed thereon, so as to indicate that all the dates between the February and January tabs apply to the month of February. Thus at any time after the first of January cards can be placed in pigeon holes belonging to dates in the next month provided they are within the period oit one calendar month.

If it is known that there is a case to come up on any particular date but the naine cannot be recalled, it will be an easy matter to locate the case by looking at the cards located under the date in question. Likewise if the name of the card is known but the date on which the case is to be brought up cannot be recalled, the card can easily be located by referring to the alphabetical index and examining all cards in the proper transverse row.

Obviously by the use of this index system the operator can locate any card at any time and only one set of cards Will be necessary, thus ei'ecting a considerable saving in time and material.

Should the operator on the other hand desire to do so, he might employ column 6, 16 and 17 to designate tile numbers instead oit to designate letters of the alphabet, as hc might carry his tiles by numbers instead ot by alphabet.

Furthermore, the operator might desire to use colums 7, 16 and 17 to designate districts or divisions of a city or other governmental subdivisions, which could readily be done by placing the names or the designations of the divisions in columns 7, 16 and 17 in the pla-ce or the alphabet.

Furthermore, in the place ot the figures in the columns indicating the days ot the month the operator could carry words indicating, say subjects or articles of manufacture. For instance, in place of the Figure 1 in the top column might be placed the word Saws,` and should the Alabama Mill Company manufacture saws, the card might be placed in the uppery left'hand pigeon hole, the case thus being used "to carry a card index of all manufacturers of, or dealers in, saws and other manufactured products That is claimed is f l. A card l index case having' parallel columns of pigeon holes, each column'being designated by a number `corresponding with a day, of a month, there being a column kfor each day of the month, the pigeonholes being4 arranged in transverse rows, and an `alphabetical index along one edge of the case for designating the transverse rows ofpigeon holes and means adjustably associated with said day numbers vfor designating months.

2. A card index'` case having parallel columns of pigeon holes each column being designated by a number corresponding with a day of the month, said pigeon holes being arrangedy in transverse rows, and an alphabetical index for designating the various transverse rows, i a supplemental vrow of pigeon holes, means adjacent certain of said supplemental pigeon holes for 'designating the month of the,yearand month-designatingtabs adjustably associated with said'dayindicating numbers. 4

3. card index case having parallel columns of pigeon holes, there .being consecutively arranged numerals at one end ,of the columns `for indicating the days of the month, said pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, an alphabetical index Vfor designating said transverse rowsof pigeon holes, tabs adjustably'mounted along the day-designating numerals and indicating certain months of the year, a supplemental row of pigeon holes, and means `adjacent thereto for designating months of the year.

4C. A card index case having parallel columns of pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said colulnns being ldesignated by a number corresponding withfa day ofthe month,

there being a column for. each day. of the month,and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallel `with the above mentioned `columns and designated consecutively by the names oft the months "of theyear, 'thepigeon holes being Aarranged in transverse rows, and an alphabetical index along one` edgeot ythe -case for designating the transverse rows.

A cardindex case having parallel columns of pigeon holes, thirty one of said columns designated by Inumbers corresponding with the days of the month, there being a column foreach dayotthe month and supplemental columnsof ypigeon holes parallel with ythe 4above mentioned columns and designated consecutively by the names of the months of the year, the pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, ,and analphabetical index along one edge of `the case for pigeonhoies.

designating the 'transverse 'rows of pigeon lholes`, and month designating'tabs adjusta- Ably mounted along 'therowof day-indicatingnumerals.

6. A 'card""ndex having parallel columns Vof pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said columns "being'designated by a number .cor-

responding'wth a day of a month, and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallel with the above mentioned columns and designated consecutively` by the names oi the months of the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse'rows, an'alphabetical index for designating said transverse rows 'of pigeon holes, tabs adjustably mounted `being arranged in transverse rows, and an alphabetical index alongeach of two edges of the case and an alphabetical index ex-` 'tendingparallel with and between said other alphabetical indices, each alphabetical index designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes alike.

8.1A card index having parallel columnsV of pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said columns being designated by a number rcorresponding with'a vday of a month, there being a column for each day ofthe month, and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallelfwith the above mentioned columns and designated consecutively by the names of the `months ofthe year, thepigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and an alphabetical index along each .of two edges of the case and an 'alphabetical' index Lextending parallel with and between said other alphabetic'al indices, each :alphabetical index designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes alike, andy month-designating tabs adjust- 'ablymounted along the row of day-indicating numerals.

9. A card index vhaving parallel columns of pigeon holes, cachot -thirty-one of said columns vbeing designated by 'a number corresponding with a day'of a month, there -being a column ffor eachday ,of themonth, and

supplemental columns yof pigeonlho-les paraljlel with the above `mentioned columns and designated consecutivelyby the nam'esof the monthsof the year, the pigeon holes being arranged in transverse ',rows, and a Aconsecutively larrangedindex along one 'edge of the case Afordesignating the transverse rows of 10. A card index case having yparallel Aco1- umns of pigeon holes, thirty one of said columns being designated by different numbers corresponding with the days of the month, there being a column for each day of the month, and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallel with the above mentioned columns and designated consecutively by the names ot the months of the year, the pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and a consecutively arranged index along one edge ot' the case for designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes, and month designating tabs adjustably mounted along the row ot. day-indicating numerals.

11. A card index case having parallel columns of pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said columns being designated by a number corresponding with a day of a month, and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallel with the above mentioned columns and designated consecutively by the names ot the months ot the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, a consecutively arranged numerical index for designating said transverse rows of pigeon holes, tabs adiustablyl mounted along the row ot day-designating numerals and indicating certain months of the year.

l2. A card index case having parallel columns of' pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said columns being designated by a number corresponding with a day of a month, there being a column for each day of a month, and supplemental columns of pigeon holes parallel with said other mentioned columns and designated consecutively by the names of the months oi the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and a consecutively arranged numerical index alongr one edge of the case, this index column designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes and being at right angles to the day-designating columns.

13. A card index case having parallel rows of pigeon holes, thirty one of said rows designated by diiierent numbers corresponding with the days of the month, there being a row for each day of a month, and supplemental rows of pigeon holes parallel with said other mentioned rows and designated consecutively by the names of the months of the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and a consecutively arranged numerical index along one edge of the case, this index row designating the transverse rows ot pigeon holes and being at right angles to the day-designating rows, and month-designating tabs adjustably mounted along the row of day-indicating numerals.

14. A card index case having parallel rows of pigeon holes, each of thirty one of said rows being designated by a number corresponding with a day of a month, and supplemental rows ot pigeon holes parallel with said other mentioned rows and designated consecutively by the names of the months of the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and a consecu tively arranged numerical index along one edge of the case, this index designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes and being at right angles to the day-designating rows, tabs adjustably mounted along the row of day-designating numerals and indicating certain months of the year.

15. A card index case having parallel rows of pigeon holes, thirty one of said rows designated by dii'l'erent numbers corresponding with the days of the month, there being a row for each day of a month, and supplemental rows of pigeon holes parallel with said other mentioned rows, and designated consecutively by the names of the months of the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows and other numerical indices designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes, such other numerical indices being in rows at right angles to the day-designating rows, and month designating tabs adjustably mounted along the row of clay-indicating numerals.

16. A card index case having parallel rows of pigeon holes, there being consecutively arranged numerals at one end of the row for indicating the days ot' the month, there being a row for each day of a month, and supplemental rows of pigeon holes parallel with said other mentioned rows, and designated consecutively by the names of the months of the year, all pigeon holes being arranged in transverse rows, and other numerical indices designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes, such other numerical indices being in rows at right angles to the day-designating rows, tabs adjustably mounted along the row of day-designating numerals and indicating certain months of 1 the year.V

17. A card index case having parallel columns of pigeon holes, there being consecutively arranged numerals at both ends of the columns for indicating days of the month, there being a column for each day of a month, and additional supplemental rows of pigeon holes parallel with said above mentioned rows and designated consecutively by names of months of the year, all pigeen holes being arranged in transverse rows, and alphabetical indices designating the transverse rows of pigeon holes, and month designating tabs adjustably mounted along a row of day indicating numerals.

18. A card index case having parallel columns of pigeon-holes, each column being designated with a number of the day of a month, there being a column :tor each day of the month, said pigeon-holes being arranged in transverse rows, an index for designating the various transverse rows, and

means adjustably associated with the day indicating numbers for designating months.

19. A card index case having means for filing cards in accordance with two indexes extending at right angles to each other, one index consisting of the numbers l to 31, inclusive, for designating the days of the month, and the other index being alphabetical, and means adjustably associated with one of said indexes for qualifying the same.

20. A card-filing device, including in combination, a case having an index con` sisting of the letters of the alphabet and a second index consisting of the numbers of the days of the month disposed at right angles to the first index, and month-designating tabs associated With the row of indicating numbers.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto aiiixed by signature.

RITTENHoUsE M. SMITH. 

